Rezultati pilot-istraživanja o potrebama i očekivanjima knjižničara od Društva knjižničara Bilogore, Podravine i Kalničkog prigorja

Rad donosi pregled i analizu rezultata pilot-istraživanja Društva knjižničara Bilogore, Podravine i Kalničkog prigorja o potrebama i očekivanjima knjižničara od ovoga društva – regionalne udruge knjižničara koja ima četrdesetogodišnju tradiciju (osnovana je 1977. godine) te djeluje na području tri županije: Bjelovarsko-bilogorske, Koprivničko-križevačke i Virovitičko-podravske. Društvo trenutno okuplja 115 članova iz 66 školskih, narodnih i specijalnih knjižnica, a u anketnom ispitivanju sudjelovalo je 77 knjižničara s područja djelovanja Društva neovisno o statusu članstva. Ciljevi pilot-istraživanja bili su saznati potrebe i očekivanja članova i nečlanova od Društva, približiti aktivnosti Društva njihovim interesima i potrebama te potaknuti knjižniča re na učlanjivanje u Društvo. Istraživanjem su detektirana problematična područja u radu ovog regionalnog društva knjižničara te su dobivene smjernice za učinkovitije i produktivnije djelovanje

Coxiella burnetii (Q-fever) outbreak associated with non-occupational exposure in a semi-urban area of western Croatia in 2022

In March 2022, an outbreak of Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) with non-occupational exposure was confirmed in a semi-urban area in Čavle, Croatia. Veterinary and human epidemiological investigations were conducted to identify the source of the outbreak and to implement appropriate control measures. Three farms were settled next to each other near the homes of the first human cases at the end of the street. The closest farm was less than 500 meters away. These farms contained 161 adult sheep and goats. Among the animal samples analysed, all 16 goats (100%) and 24/50 sheep (48%) tested positive for C. burnetii IgM/IgG antibodies, phase I and II. One out of five sheeps' vaginal swabs were C. burnetti DNA positive. Human testing revealed 20 confirmed and three probable cases (9/23 pneumonia, 2/23 hepatitis, 21/23 fever), with three hospitalizations, and one death. Twenty-seven cases were discarded following negative laboratory results. The epidemiological investigation revealed airborne transmission as the most likely route of transmission. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate risk factors for Q fever infection. Persons who were near the farms (≤750 m) (OR 4.5; 95% CI = 1.1–18.3) and lived in the nearest street to the farms had the highest risk of contracting Q fever (OR 3.7; 95% CI = 1.1–13.6). Decreased rainfall compared to monthly averages was recorded in the months prior to the outbreak with several days of strong wind in January preceding the outbreak. This was the largest Q fever outbreak in the county in the last 16 years, which was unexpected due to its location and non-occupational exposure. To stop the outbreak, numerous intensive biosecurity measures were implemented. The outbreak highlights the importance of urban development strategies to limit the number of animal housing near residential areas while providing regular biosecurity measures to prevent infections in livestock

Ružička days : International conference 17th Ružička Days “Today Science – Tomorrow Industry” : Proceedings

In front of you are the Proceedings of the International Conference 17th Ružička days: „Today Science – Tomorrow Industry“ that was held in Vukovar, Croatia at September 19-21, 2018. The main goal of this interdisciplinary conference is to promote excellence in science and engineering as well as application of up-to-date research results and technological achievements in industry. In its fifth issue (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019) the Proceedings continues with publishing of quality scientific and professional full papers in sections Chemical Analysis and Synthesis (2), Chemical and Biochemical Engineering (3), Food Technology and Biotechnology (4), Medical Chemistry and Pharmacy (2), Environmental Protection (9) and Meeting of Young Chemists (4). All the papers were thoroughly reviewed from respectable evaluators, to whom we express our gratitude. We are also thankful to all the authors and participants of the Ružička days, and to all that support and contribute in its organization; especially our international coorganizers EuCheMS, EFFoST and EHEDG, the members of organizing and scientific committee, plenary and invited lecturers, sponsors, and of course our highly skilled and committed associates, which put a lot of effort in preparation of this book